The Bank of Canada announced this morning that it is holding the target for its overnight rate at 0.5 per cent. In the press release accompanying the interest rate decision, the Bank noted that uncertainty in the global economy is undiminished in recent months while Canadian economic growth is evolving as anticipated. On inflation, the Bank cited that although CPI and core inflation have picked up, both measures remain below the Bank's 2 per cent target. 

With long-term interest rates jolted upward by the US election, the Bank of Canada is likely content to keep its overnight rate on hold at 0.5 per cent over the next year.  That said, the stark unpredictability of the incoming Trump administration on everything from trade to taxes to financial markets means that risk in the economy is tilted to the downside.  Therefore, there remains the potential for a rate-cut by the Bank of Canada should economic conditions and the outlook for inflation deteriorate.

“Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.”

Property Surveyors, sometimes referred to as land Surveyors, play a vital
role in the real estate world. They are the professionals who determine or
confirm the exact boundaries of a property.
Will you need to deal with a Property Surveyor when selling your home?
You might.
Sometimes the mortgage lender will ask for a land survey, especially if your
property is older and hasn’t changed hands in many years. You might also
be asked for one by the buyer if there is any confusion about the size and
boundaries of your property – or if significant changes have been made to it
in recent years.
This is nothing to be concerned about.
A qualified Property Surveyor will do the appropriate inspection and
measurements on your property and issue you the survey. (It looks a little
like a blueprint.)
Property Surveyors are highly trained and licensed. In the United States, the
profession is represented by the National Society of Professional Surveyors,
with each state having its own governing body. In Canada, Professional
Surveyors Canada (PSC) represents the profession nationally, and most
provinces have their own professional associations.
Before getting a new land survey, make sure you don’t already have one.
Hopefully, you’ve stored the paperwork that relates to the purchase of your
home. Look through it. A valid land survey might be right there.
If you have questions about land surveys, call The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Team today!!

No matter how much you love your current property, you may be dreaming
of the day you can buy up into a better home in a better neighbourhood.
Is that day today, or, is it a few years down the road?
Here’s a quick way to make that assessment.
First, make a list of all the practical reasons why it might be time to move
up. Those reasons might include features such as: more bedrooms,
proximity to work and school, a larger backyard with trees, nearby parks and
walking paths and better access to things you enjoy like theatre.
Next, make a list of the emotional reasons for making such a move. Those
reasons might include memorable get-togethers with friends on a more
spacious deck, an easier and less stressful commute to work, more family
time with the kids and enjoyable Saturday golf at a nearby course.
Finally, take a financial snapshot to determine if you can afford to move up.
You’ll need to get a good idea of what your current property will sell for in
today’s market, average price of homes in your desired neighbourhood, and
how much mortgage you’ll need.
Once you have all that down on paper, you’ll have a clear picture of your
readiness. If the practical and emotional reasons for buying up are
compelling, and you can afford to make the move, then you have your
answer.
The time is now!
By the way, if you need help in making this determination – especially
figuring out what your home will likely sell for, call The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Team today!!

You’re standing by your window admiring the view. Then you notice it.
Moisture has built-up around the edges of the glass. Should you worry?
It all depends on the reason for the build up.
Assuming you have traditional double-pane glass in your windows, there are
a few things to look for if you notice moisture.
Often, moisture at the bottom of the windows is simply caused by too much
humidity in your indoor air. If that’s the case, simply adjust your humidifier.
If the moisture is on the exterior of the window, typically there’s also no
problem with the window itself. It may have rained recently or the outside
humidity may have spiked causing the accumulation. Generally, there’s no
reason for concern.
However, if the moisture is in between the two panes of glass, the seal has
broken and surrounding air – along with its water content – has made its
way in. This disrupts the thermal barrier of the window, reducing its energy
efficiency. In fact, the glass might feel noticeably colder than your other
windows on chilly days. In that case, you’ll need to replace the pane.
Similarly, if the moisture is coming in through only one spot — the bottom
right corner, for example — then you might have a leak. If you have a wood
frame or sill, you may also notice a growing water stain. It’s important to get
leaks fixed quickly. There may be water damage occurring within the frame
that you cannot see.

For for infofamtion contact The Dion-Ivans Real Estate Team today!